Absorbent article

ABSTRACT

The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/025,059, filed Dec. 19, 2001, pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention provides an absorbent article having a multi-tonesignal of at least one color. The effect of the multi-tone signalcreates a perception of depth by a user viewing the topsheet surface ofthe absorbent article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Printing on or below the top surface of an absorbent article isknown in the art. Printing to create a signal that masks stains is alsoknown. Overcoming the problem of unsightly stain during, for example, awoman's menstrual period has been disclosed. What has not been disclosedor taught is the use of multi-toned printing to create a signal thatprovides a perception of depth to an absorbent article when the articleis viewed from its top or viewing surface. By creating a perception ofdepth within the absorbent article a user is reassured prior to use andduring use that fluid will be drawn deep inside the product and awayfrom a user's body.

[0004] Through the use of innovative topsheet materials, secondarytopsheet materials, absorbent gelling materials and breathablebacksheets, the technology in absorbent articles, and particularlysanitary napkins, has drastically advanced to provide women with morethan adequate, if not excellent, products that absorb menses and otherfluids away from a woman's body. However, much of this technology isoften hidden and therefore not viewable. When seen, absorbent componentsoften do not readily or visually communicate to a user the existence ofthis enhanced technology.

[0005] The ability to communicate to a consumer the existence ofenhanced functioning of an absorbent article is a premium asset to anyabsorbent article. Hence, the use of the multi-toned signals has beencreated to begin to address the problem of such communication. This isespecially so since mostly all of the products on the market today haveas their main function the objective to mask menses rather thanconveying the product's enhanced functioning power. The art is repletewith examples of the use of a one-tone signal for such masking.

[0006] Communicating enhanced functioning characteristics by creatingthe perception of depth within an absorbent article is one unique andnovel way to solve this problem, that prior to this reduction topractice has not been taught, suggested or disclosed by the prior art.Using multiple tones (i.e., at least two) of a color and/or multipletones and multiple colors together to create a perception of depth canengender in a user the perceived belief of better protection andenhanced functioning by creating the perception of depth once a user hasviewed the multi-tone configuration from the viewing surface of theabsorbent article, such perception continuing through and after wear ofthe absorbent article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, the invention provides an absorbent article havingan upper surface, a lower surface and a periphery comprising a topsheethaving a bottom surface and a viewing surface positioned opposite to thebottom surface. The viewing surface faces upwardly towards the uppersurface of the absorbent article. The absorbent article furthercomprises a backsheet having a garment facing surface and a user facingsurface positioned oppositely to the garment facing surface, thebacksheet being joined to the topsheet.

[0008] An absorbent core having a top surface and a bottom surface thatis positioned opposite to the top surface. The absorbent core ispositioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The viewing surfaceof the absorbent article preferably, but not necessarily, has at leasttwo portions, i.e., a colored portion and a non-colored portion. Thecolored portion and the non-colored portion are viewable from theviewing surface of the topsheet. The colored portion has at least twoshades, a first shade and a second shade. The first shade is positionedsubstantially within the second shade. The second shade is different,either in lightness, darkness, and/or color, from the first shade. Themulti-shades operate to create a perception of depth within theabsorbent article by a user looking upon the viewing surface of thetopsheet. In one embodiment herein, the first shade of the color isdarker than the second shade of the color. Alternatively, the firstshade is lighter than the second shade.

[0009] The color of the first shade and the second shade of the coloredportion and the non-colored portion are measured by reflectancespectrophotometer ASTM standard test methodology. Tristimulus L*, a*, b*values are measured from the viewing surface of the topsheet inboard ofthe absorbent article's periphery. These L*, a*, b* values are reportedin terms of the CIE 1976 color coordinate standard The color differencesbetween the colored portion and the non-colored portion are measured ata first point, a second point, and a third point on the viewing surfaceof the topsheet inboard of the periphery of the absorbent article.Preferably, each one of the points noted (i.e., 1, 2 and 3) residesfully within the periphery of the absorbent core. For example, the firstpoint is measured within the first shade, the second point is measuredwithin the second shade, and the third point is measured within thenon-colored portion of the absorbent article. The color differences arecalculated according to method ASTM D2244-99 “Standard Test Method forCalculation of Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured ColorCoordinates.”

[0010] The difference in color (i.e., ΔE*) between the first shade andthe second shade should be at least 3.5. The ΔE* is calculated by theformulaΔE*=[(L*_(X·)−L*_(Y))²+(a*_(X·)−a*_(Y))²+(b*_(X)−b*_(Y))²]^(1/2). X mayrepresent points 1, 2 or 3. Y may represent points 1, 2 or 3. X and Yshould never be the same two points of measurement at the same time. Inother words, X≠Y. The difference in color between the first shade andthe non-colored portion is at least 6. The difference in color betweenthe second shade and the non-colored portion is at least 3.5.Preferably, the size of the colored portion ranges from about 5% toabout 100% of the viewing surface of the topsheet. Also preferably, thefirst shade of the colored portion is positioned substantially centrallyin relation to the second shade of the colored portion. However, so longas the shades are in proper spatial relationship to one-another suchthat the depth perception phenomena is created, any suitable positioningof the shades is suitable and foreseeable by one of skill in the art andare therefore acknowledged as suitable alternative embodiments of theinvention.

[0011] In one embodiment herein, the colored portion may be an insertpositioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core. In anotherembodiment, the colored portion forms a part of the topsheet. In yetanother embodiment herein, the colored portion forms a part of theabsorbent core whereby the colored portion is viewable from the viewingsurface of the topsheet. Alternatively, the colored portion may be amulti-layered insert positioned beneath the topsheet.

[0012] Any topsheet material that allows the colored portion to bereadily seen from the viewing surface of the topsheet is suitable. Forexample, formed film material, nonwovens, other topsheet materials knownin the art or combinations thereof are suitable.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment herein, the absorbent articleprovides a colored portion and is substantially without a non-coloredportion. The colored portion is viewable from the viewing surface of thetopsheet and has at least two shades, a first shade and a second shade.The first shade is positioned substantially within the second shade, thesecond shade being different from the first shade. The at least twoshades operate to create a perception of depth within the absorbentarticle by a user looking upon the viewing surface of the topsheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] While the specification concludes with claims particularlypointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which isregarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from the following descriptionswhich are taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in whichlike designations are used to designate substantially identicalelements, and in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of the absorbent article;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a planar view of the absorbent article of FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a planar view of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1;and

[0018]FIG. 4 is a planar view of the proper testing form of theabsorbent article of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] “Absorbent articles” as referred to herein are primarily sanitarynapkins, pantiliners, or incontinence pads that are worn in the crotchregion of an undergarment. It is even conceivable that baby diapers,adult incontinence diapers, and human waste management devices benefitfrom the present invention even though they are conventionally not wornin conjunction with an undergarment.

[0020] The term ‘color’ as referred to herein include any primary color,i.e., white, black, red, blue, violet, orange, yellow, green, and indigoas well as any declination thereof or mixture thereof. The term‘non-color’ or ‘non-colored’ refers to the color white which is furtherdefined as those colors having an L* value of at least 90, an a* valueequal to 0≠2, and a b* value equal to 0≠2.

[0021] The term ‘disposable’ is used herein to describe absorbentarticles that are not intended to be launched or otherwise restored orreused as absorbent articles (i.e., they are intended to be discardedafter a single use and, preferably to be recycled, composted orotherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).

[0022] Non-limiting examples of panty liners and sanitary napkins whichmay be provided with a multi-tone signal that operates to create depthperception include those manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company ofCincinnati, Ohio as: ALWAYS® Pantiliners with DriWeave® manufacturedaccording to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,324,246; 4,463,045; and 6,004,893; ALWAYS®Ultrathin Slender Maxi with Wings manufactured according to U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,342,314, 4,463,045, 4,556,146, B1 4,589,876, 4,687,478,4,950,264, 5,009,653, 5,267,992, and Re. 32,649; ALWAYS® Regular Maxi;ALWAYS® Ultra Maxi with Wings; ALWAYS® Maxi with Wings; ALWAYS® UltraLong Maxi with Wings; ALWAYS® Long Super Maxi with Wings; and ALWAYS®Overnight Maxi with Wings, each aforesaid publication being incorporatedby reference herein.

[0023]FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of the absorbent article 10.FIG. 2 provides a planar view of the absorbent article of FIG. 1. Theabsorbent article 10 herein has an upper surface 13, a lower surface 14(not seen) and a periphery 12 comprising a topsheet 25 having a bottomsurface 27 (not shown) and a viewing surface 28 positioned opposite tothe bottom surface 27. The viewing surface 28 faces upwardly towards theupper surface 13 of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10further comprises a backsheet 15 (not shown) having a garment facingsurface 16 (not shown) and a user facing surface 17 (not shown)positioned oppositely to the garment facing surface 16, the backsheet 15being joined to the topsheet 25.

[0024] The absorbent article 10 also comprises an absorbent core 20having a top surface 21 and a bottom surface 22 (not shown) that ispositioned opposite to the top surface 21. The absorbent core 20 ispositioned between the topsheet 25 and the backsheet 15. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1 the absorbent article 10 has at least twoportions, i.e., a colored portion 40 and a non-colored portion 50. Thecolored portion 40 and the non-colored portion 50 are viewable from theviewing surface 28 of the topsheet 25. The colored portion 40 has atleast two shades, a first shade 42 and a second shade 44. Preferably,but not necessarily, and as is shown in FIG. 1, the first shade 42 ispositioned substantially within the second shade 44. The second shade 44is different, either in lightness, darkness, and/or color, from thefirst shade 42. The multi-shades operate to create a perception of depthwithin the absorbent article by a user looking upon the viewing surface28 of the topsheet 25. In one embodiment herein, the first shade 42 ofthe color is darker than the second shade 44 of the color.Alternatively, the first shade 42 is lighter than the second shade 44.The lightness and darkness of the shades, whether two or greater thantwo shades, are configured to create a perception of depth by a userlooking upon the viewing surface 28 of the absorbent article 10.

[0025] The color of the first shade 42 and the second shade 44 of thecolored portion 40 and the non-colored portion 50 are measured by thereflectance spectrophotometer according to the colors' L*, a*, and b*values. The L*, a*, and b* values are measured from the viewing surface28 of the topsheet 25 inboard of the absorbent article's periphery 12.The color differences between the colored portion 40 and the non-coloredportion 50 are measured at a first point 100, a second point 110, and athird point 120 on the viewing surface 28 of the topsheet 25 inboard ofthe periphery 12 of the absorbent article 10. Preferably, each one ofthe points 100, 110, and 120 resides fully within the periphery 12 ofthe absorbent core 20. For example, the first point 100 is measuredwithin the first shade 42, the second point 110 is measured within thesecond shade 44, and the third point 120 is measured within thenon-colored portion 50 of the absorbent article 10.

[0026] The color differences are calculated using the L*, a*, and b*values by the formulaΔE=[(L*_(X·)−L*_(Y))²+(a*_(X·)−a*_(Y))²+(b*_(X)−b*_(Y))²]^(1/2). Herein,the ‘X’ in the equation may represent points 1, 2 or 3. Y may representpoints 1, 2 or 3. X and Y should never be the same two points ofmeasurement at the same time. In other words, X≠Y. Where greater thantwo shades of a color(s) are used, the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ values alternatelyinclude points of measurement in them also. The key to the ΔEcalculation herein is that the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ values should not stem fromthe same measured point on the viewing surface. In those instances wherethere is effectively no non-colored portion 50 within the confines ofthe measurement area, the ‘X’ values should flow from a point differentin spatial relationship to the ‘Y’ values, but within the confines ofthe absorbent core periphery (see FIG. 4).

[0027] The difference in color (ΔE*) between the first shade 42 and thesecond shade 44 should be at least 3.5. The difference in color betweenthe first shade 42 and the non-colored portion 50 is at least 6. Thedifference in color between the second shade 44 and the non-coloredportion 50 is at least 3.5.

[0028] Preferably, the size of the colored portion 50 ranges from about5% to about 100% of the viewing surface 28 of the topsheet 25. Alsopreferably, the first shade 42 of the colored portion 50 is positionedsubstantially centrally in relation to the second shade 44 of thecolored portion 50. However, so long as the shades are in proper spatialrelationship to one-another such that the depth perception phenomena iscreated, any suitable positioning of the shades is foreseeable by one ofskill in the art and are therefore acknowledged as suitable alternativeembodiments of the invention.

[0029] In one embodiment herein, the colored portion 40 may be an insertpositioned between the topsheet 25 and the absorbent core 20. In anotherembodiment, the colored portion 40 forms a part of the topsheet 25. Inyet another embodiment herein, the colored portion 40 forms a part ofthe absorbent core 20 whereby the colored portion 40 is viewable fromthe viewing surface 28 of the topsheet 25. Alternatively, the coloredportion 40 may be a multi-layered insert positioned beneath the topsheet28.

[0030] Any topsheet material that allows the colored portion to bereadily seen from the viewing surface 28 of the topsheet 25 is suitable.For example, formed film material, nonwovens, or combinations thereofare suitable.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment herein, the absorbent article 10provides a colored portion 40 wherein the viewing surface 28 of thetopsheet 25 is substantially without a non-colored portion. By the term‘substantially without a non-colored portion’ it is meant herein thatcolor white is less than or equal to 5% of the total surface area of theviewing surface 28. FIG. 3 provides an absorbent article wherein thefirst shade 42 is lighter and the second shade 44 is darker.

[0032] Also alternatively is an embodiment in which a color differentfrom the color of the first shade 42 and the second shade 44 operates asa boundary between the two shades. In other words, this boundary 48 (notshown) rings the outer perimeter of the second shade 44 and separatesthe second shade 44 from the first shade 42.

[0033] Analytical Methodology—Hunter Color

[0034] The color scale values, utilized herein to define thedarkness/lightness of the materials of the absorbent articles accordingto the present invention, is the widely accepted CIE LAB scale.Measurements are made with a Hunter Color reflectance meter. A completetechnical description of the system can be found in an article by R. S.Hunter, ‘photoelectric color difference Meter’, Journal of the OpticalSociety of America, Vol. 48, pp.985-95, 1958. Devices specially designedfor the measurement of color on the Hunter scales are described in U.S.Pat. No. 3,003,388 to Hunter et al., issued Oct. 10, 1961. In general,Hunter Color “L” scale values are units of light reflectancemeasurement, and the higher the value is, the lighter the color is sincea lighter colored material reflects more light. In particular, in theHunter Color system the “L” scale contains 100 equal units of division.Absolute black is at the bottom of the scale (L=0) and absolute white isat the top of the scale (L=100). Thus in measuring Hunter Color valuesof the materials used in the absorbent articles according to the presentinvention, the lower the “L” scale value, the darker the material. Theabsorbent articles herein, and hence the materials of which theabsorbent articles are made of, might be of any color provided that theL Hunter value defined herein is met.

[0035] Colors can be measured according to an internationally recognized3D solid diagram of colors where all colors that are perceived by thehuman eye are converted into a numerical code. The CIE LAB system issimilar to Hunter L, a, b an is based on three dimensions, specificallyL*, a*, and b*.

[0036] When a color is defined according to this system L* representslightness (0=black, 100=white), a* and b* independently each represent atwo color axis, a* representing the axis red/green (+a=red, −a=green),while b* represents the axis yellow/blue (+b=yellow, −b=blue). FIG. 4shows the proper representation of the L, a, and b axes.

[0037] A color may be identified by a unique ΔE value (i.e., differentin color from some standard or reference), which is mathematicallyexpressed by the equation:

ΔE*=[(L* _(X·) −L* _(Y))²+(a* _(X·) −a* _(Y))²+(b* _(X) −b*_(Y))²]^(1/2)

[0038] ‘X’ represents the standard or reference sample which may eitherbe a ‘white’ sample or a ‘colored’ sample, e.g., one colored shade maybe compared to another colored shade.

[0039] It is to be understood that the tristimulus color values and ΔE*considered herein are those measured on the materials of interest (e.g.,the colored and non-colored portions on the viewing surface of thetopsheet disclosed herein).

[0040] The Hunter color meter quantitatively determines the amount(percent) of incident light reflected from a sample onto a detector. Theinstrument is also capable of analyzing the spectral content of thereflected light (e.g., how much green is in the samples). The Huntercolor meter is configured to yield 3 values (L*, a*, b* and ΔE* which istotal color). The L* value is simple the percent of the incident(source) light that is reflected off a target sample and onto thedetector. A shiny white sample will yield an L* value near 100 while adull black sample will yield an L* value of about 0. The a* and b* valuecontains spectral information for the sample. Positive a* valueindicates the amount of green in the sample.

[0041] Testing is conducted using a Lab Scan XE 45/0 geometry instrumentto measure the different shaded options for the visual signal zone. TheHunter Color in CIE lab scale 2° C. was measured on each pad in 3portions. A 0.7 inch diameter port was used having a 0.50 inch areaview, which was the largest size able to measure each zone discretely;i.e., this 0.5 inch area view is important for the purposes thesemeasurements and should not be made smaller than the 0.5 inch area viewprescribed. The instrument was calibrated using standard white and blacktiles supplied by the instrument manufacturer.

[0042] Color Zone Measurement for Pad Topsheet Appearance

[0043] For measuring the L*, a*, and b* values for the invention herein,a standard, industry-recognized procedure is used. The topsheet color ismeasured using a reflectance spectrophotometer in accordance with methodASTM E 1164-94, “Standard Practice for Obtaining Spectrophotometric Datafor Object-Color Evaluation”. This standard method is followed butspecific instrument settings and sampling procedure are given here forclarity. Sample color is reported in terms of the CIE 1976 colorcoordinate standard as specified in ASTM E 1164-94 and ASTM D2264-93,section 6.2. This consists of three values; L* which measures sample“lightness”, a* which measures redness or greenness, and b* whichmeasures yellowness or blueness. Apparatus Reflectance 45°/0° HunterLabscan XE, or equivalent Spectrophotometer HunterLab Headquarters,11491 Sunset Hills Road, Reston VA 20190-5280 Tel: 703-471-6870 Fax:703-471-4237 http://www.hunterlab.com. Standard plate Sandard HunterWhite Tile Source: Hunter Color.

[0044] Equipment Preparation

[0045] 1. Assure that the Spectrophotometer is configured as follows:Illumination Type C Standard Observer   2° Geometry 45/0° Measurementangle Port Diameter 0.70 inch Viewing area 0.50 inch (and no smaller) UVFilter: Nominal

[0046] 2. Calibrate the spectrophotometer using standard black and whitetiles supplied with the instrument according to manufacturer'sinstructions before beginning any testing.

[0047] Sample Preparation

[0048] 1. Unwrap, unfolded and lay the product or pad samples flatwithout touching or altering the color of the body facing surface.

[0049] 2. Areas on the body-facing surface of the product should beselected for measurement and must include the following:

[0050] The non-colored portion of the topsheet.

[0051] The colored portion of the topsheet; including the two or moreshaded portions.

[0052] Any other portions of the topsheet above the absorbent corehaving a visibly or measurably different color from the first shadedzone. Embossed channels and folds should not be included in zones ofmeasurement as they may skew the proper results. Measurements should notbe made overlapping the border of two shaded portions.

[0053] Test Procedure

[0054] 1. Operate the Hunter Colorimeter according to the instrumentmanufacturer's instructions.

[0055] 2. Pads should be measured laying flat over the 0.70 inchaperture on the instrument. A white tile should be placed behind thepad.

[0056] 3. The pad should be placed with its long direction perpendicularto the instrument.

[0057] 4. Measure the same zones selected above for at least 3 replicatesamples.

[0058] Calculation Reporting

[0059] 1. Ensure that the reported results are really CIE L*,a*,b*.

[0060] 2. Record the L*,a*,b* values to the nearest 0.1 units.

[0061] 3. Take the average L*, a*, b* for each zone measured.

[0062] 4. Calculate ΔE* between different shaded portions and ΔE*between each shaded portion and the non-colored portion where thenon-colored portion exists.

[0063] Human Sensitivity to Light

[0064] The human sensitivity threshold for the lightness of a dark greencolor is a ΔE* of about 1.0. For a dark green color, if only the a* andb* change, human sensitivity is a ΔE* of 2.4. In the context of anabsorbent article herein (e.g., a sanitary napkin) it is highly likelythat many people would not see a color difference if the ΔE* is lessthan 2. This sensitivity is described in the following reference: “TheMeasurement of Appearance”, by Hunter and Harold, 2nd edition, 1987,(ISBN 0-471-83006-2).

[0065] Chapter 4 of Hunter's book describes human color sensing andchapter 9 is about color scales. By making side-by side comparison,humans can differentiate up to 5 to 10 million different colors. In the1940s, a researcher named MacAdam did human chromaticity discriminationexperiments. He found the thresholds of sensitivity and showed thesedepend on the color. Later work by Brown and MacAdam came up with alogarithmic lightness dimension scale for human sensitivity to go withthe earlier color scale. Based on the reduction to practice of theinvention, experimentation and the foregoing work by Brown and MacAdam,it has been found herein that a ΔE≧3.5 is the preferred range to effectproper differentiation between the shades that provides the properappearance of depth. However, where the ΔE is as small as about 1 andstill operates to provide a perception of depth between the shades, thisΔE is also contemplated and included herein. An example where ΔE may bebetween at last two shades of one or more colors may be found in analternative embodiment that provides a multi-color and/or shade gradientof a color across the viewing surface of the absorbent article. CHART ISample Number Topsheet Type Colored Options ΔE*₂₃ ΔE*₁₂ ΔE*₁₃ 1 FormedFilm Two-tone inner/outer 6.10 10.83 16.86 color 2 Formed Film One-tonecolor 0.25 8.60 8.80 3 Non-woven One-tone color 0.22 10.63 10.81 4Non-woven Two-tone inner/outer 5.98 11.03 16.92 color 5 Formed FilmTwo-tone light outer 10.01 2.88 12.80 color/inner dark color 6 FormedFilm Two-tone medium outer 7.51 6.37 13.61 color/inner dark color 7Formed Film Two-tone darker outer 5.60 19.16 14.22 color/inner darkcolor 8 Formed Film Two-tone (secondary 4.58 6.00 8.06 topsheet coloredouter color)/(core colored dark color) 9 Formed Film One-tone outercolor 0.21 8.90 8.84

[0066] As has been noted previously, the difference in color between thefirst shade and the second shade should be at least 3.5. The differencein color between the first shade and the non-colored portion is at least6. The difference in color between the second shade and the non-coloredportion is at least 3.5. Through experimentation and reduction topractice of the invention, it has been determined that the preferredcreation of depth perception happens at about and above these setparameters. For products substantially not having a non-colored portionwithin the measurement zone (i.e., a gradient or fully colored product),the above criteria for the shaded portions (i.e., ΔE*≧3.5) remains thepreferred standard.

[0067] Chart I above clearly shows the ΔE*s obtained between multi-tone(e.g., two tone) and single tone signals. Formed films and nonwovensuseful for the invention herein are those which will allow thesufficient penetration of light therethrough such that the shadedportions may be clearly discerned and such that such discernmentproduces the depth perception effect. The color may be any suitablecolor fitting within the parameters herein for ΔE* between coloredportions and non-colored portion (where it exists). For example, thecolors green, blue, red, yellow, orange, purple and any other colorwithin the color spectrum are suitable for the purposes describedherein.

[0068] Sample Nos. 1 and 2 are clearly distinct in their ΔE*₂₃.Specifically, the ΔE*23 (which is 6.10) is greater than 3.5. This ΔE₂₃indicates that there is a perceptible difference in color orlightness/darkness between the two points of measurement; i.e., betweenthe second shaded portion and the non-colored (or white) portion (seeFIG. 4). As noted above for human perception, Sample No. 2's ΔE*23 of0.25 would not be perceptible to the human eye. This indicates that thesignal is only a one or single tone signal (i.e., color portion).

[0069] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Inventionare, are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; thecitation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that itis prior art with respect to the present invention.

[0070] While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article having an upper surface, alower surface and a periphery, comprising: a topsheet having a bottomsurface and a viewing surface positioned opposite to the bottom surface,the viewing surface facing upwardly towards the upper surface of theabsorbent article; a backsheet having a garment facing surface and auser facing surface positioned oppositely to the garment facing surface,the backsheet being joined to the topsheet; an absorbent core having atop surface and a bottom surface positioned opposite to the top surface,the absorbent core being positioned between the topsheet and thebacksheet; and the absorbent core printed thereon a colored portion, thecolored portion viewable from the viewing surface of the topsheet, thecolored portion having a first shade and a second shade, the first shadebeing positioned substantially within the second shade, the second shadebeing different from the first shade, the shades operating to create aperception of depth within the absorbent article by a user looking uponthe viewing surface of the topsheet.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1wherein the first shade of the color is darker than the second shade ofthe color.
 3. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the color of thefirst shade and the second shade of the colored portion and anon-colored portion are measured by a Hunter Reflectance Meter testaccording to the colors' L, a, and b values, the L, a, and b valuesbeing measured from the viewing surface of the topsheet inboard of theabsorbent article's periphery.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 3wherein the color differences between the colored portion and thenon-colored portion are measured at a first point, a second point, and athird point on the viewing surface of the topsheet inboard of theperiphery of the absorbent article, the first point being measuredwithin the first shade, the second point being measured within thesecond shade, and the third point being measured within the non-coloredportion of the absorbent article, the color differences being calculatedusing the L, a, and b values by the formulaΔE=[(L*_(X·)−L*_(Y))²+(a*_(X·)−a*_(Y))²+(b*_(X)−b*_(Y))²]^(1/2).
 5. Theabsorbent article of claim 4 wherein the difference in color between thefirst shade and the second shade is at least 3.5.
 6. The absorbentarticle of claim 4 wherein the difference in color between the firstshade and the non-colored portion is at least
 6. 7. The absorbentarticle of claim 4 wherein the difference in color between the secondshade and the non-colored portion is at least 3.5.
 8. The absorbentarticle of claim 1 wherein the size of the colored portion ranges fromabout 5% to about 98% of the viewing surface of the topsheet.
 9. Theabsorbent article of claim 1 wherein the first shade of the coloredportion is positioned substantially centrally in relation to the secondshade of the colored portion.
 10. An absorbent article having an uppersurface, a lower surface and a periphery, comprising: a topsheet havinga bottom surface and a viewing surface positioned opposite to the bottomsurface, the viewing surface facing upwardly towards the upper surfaceof the absorbent article; a backsheet having a garment facing surfaceand a user facing surface positioned oppositely to the garment facingsurface, the backsheet being joined to the topsheet; an absorbent corehaving a top surface and a bottom surface positioned opposite to the topsurface, the absorbent core being positioned between the topsheet andthe backsheet; and the topsheet having printed thereon a coloredportion, the colored portion viewable from the viewing surface of thetopsheet, the colored portion having a first shade and a second shade,the first shade being positioned substantially within the second shade,the second shade being different from the first shade, the shadesoperating to create a perception of depth within the absorbent articleby a user looking upon the viewing surface of the topsheet.
 11. Theabsorbent article of claim 10 wherein the first shade of the color isdarker than the second shade of the color.
 12. The absorbent article ofclaim 10 wherein the color of the first shade and the second shade ofthe colored portion and a non-colored portion are measured by a HunterReflectance Meter test according to the colors' L, a, and b values, theL, a, and b values being measured from the viewing surface of thetopsheet inboard of the absorbent article's periphery.
 13. The absorbentarticle of claim 12 wherein the color differences between the coloredportion and the non-colored portion are measured at a first point, asecond point, and a third point on the viewing surface of the topsheetinboard of the periphery of the absorbent article, the first point beingmeasured within the first shade, the second point being measured withinthe second shade, and the third point being measured within thenon-colored portion of the absorbent article, the color differencesbeing calculated using the L, a, and b values by the formulaΔE=[(L*_(X·)−L*_(Y)) ²+(a*_(X·)−a*_(Y))²+(b*_(X)−b*_(Y))²]^(1/2.) 14.The absorbent article of claim 13 wherein the difference in colorbetween the first shade and the second shade is at least 3.5.
 15. Theabsorbent article of claim 14 wherein the difference in color betweenthe first shade and the non-colored portion is at least
 6. The absorbentarticle of claim 1 wherein the topsheet comprises a formed film and anonwoven.
 16. An absorbent article having an upper surface, a lowersurface and a periphery, comprising: a topsheet having a bottom surfaceand a viewing surface positioned opposite to the bottom surface, theviewing surface facing upwardly towards the upper surface of theabsorbent article; a backsheet having a garment facing surface and auser facing surface positioned oppositely to the garment facing surface,the backsheet being joined to the topsheet; an absorbent core having atop surface and a bottom surface positioned opposite to the top surface,the absorbent core being positioned between the topsheet and thebacksheet; and the topsheet and absorbent core having printed thereon acolored portion, the colored portion viewable from the viewing surfaceof the topsheet, the colored portion of either the topsheet or theabsorbent core having a first shade and the colored portion of eitherthe other of the topsheet or the absorbent core having a second shade,the first shade being positioned substantially within the second shade,the second shade being different from the first shade, the shadesoperating to create a perception of depth within the absorbent articleby a user looking upon the viewing surface of the topsheet.
 17. Theabsorbent article of claim 16 wherein the first shade of the color isdarker than the second shade of the color.
 18. The absorbent article ofclaim 16 wherein the color of the first shade and the second shade ofthe colored portion and a non-colored portion are measured by a HunterReflectance Meter test according to the colors' L, a, and b values, theL, a, and b values being measured from the viewing surface of thetopsheet inboard of the absorbent article's periphery.
 19. The absorbentarticle of claim 18 wherein the color differences between the coloredportion and the non-colored portion are measured at a first point, asecond point, and a third point on the viewing surface of the topsheetinboard of the periphery of the absorbent article, the first point beingmeasured within the first shade, the second point being measured withinthe second shade, and the third point being measured within thenon-colored portion of the absorbent article, the color differencesbeing calculated using the L, a, and b values by the formulaΔE=[(L*_(X·)−L*_(Y))²+(a*_(X·)−a*_(Y))²+(b*_(X·)−b*_(Y))²]^(1/2). 20.The absorbent article of claim 19 wherein the difference in colorbetween the first shade and the second shade is at least 3.5.